Science Oscars, a lens through which to look at our world
THEMED to align with the United Nations’ ‘Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements’, the National Science and Technology Forum’s (NSTF) 2018/2019 NSTF-South32 Awards ceremony included a special award for a contribution to science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation for “Materials for inclusive economic development”.
The awards recognise a variety of outstanding contributions to SET and innovation, by professional scientists, innovators, and other science-related professionals.Held last night in Gauteng, the annual NSTF-South32 Awards event also acknowledged outstanding achievements in science and mathematics in Grade 12 through the forum’s Brilliants Programme.
It is 150 years since Dmitry Mendeleev discovered the Periodic System and the UN’s declaration of this International Year theme has the support of numerous scientific, technological, philosophical and historical organisations from more than 50 countries.
Elaborating on the Periodic Table, NSTF Chairman, Prof Ali Dhansay, says, “At first glance, it appears to be just an arranged list of elements used as a tool in chemistry. However, it is also a lens through which to look at our world. It is one of the most significant achievements in science, capturing the essence not only of chemistry, but also of physics and biology.
The unique tool enables scientists to predict the appearance and properties of matter on the Earth and in the rest of the Universe.”
The 21st celebration of South African excellence and outstanding contributions to SET featured awards in the following broad areas in 13 categories:
• Scientific research
• Innovation
• Management and related activities
• Capacity development in engineering research
• Environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and the green economy
• Water research and innovation
• Data management
• Science communication
The Special Annual Theme Award, which went to Prof Alexander Quandt was for an outstanding contribution to SET and innovation, through work on materials for inclusive economic development. He is the Acting Chair: Materials for Energy Research Group; and Focus Area Co-ordinator: Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, at the University of the Witwatersrand.
The Lifetime Award went to Prof Robin Crewe, Senior Research Fellow: Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship, at the University of Pretoria.
The awards showcase the research and development capacity of our nation and how the winners’ work supports South Africa’s advancement, economic growth and the social upliftment of our people. They were the first and are the largest SET and innovation awards in the country. Known as the ‘Science Oscars’, part of the focus is on profiling the Award Winners as role models, which includes the year-long engagement programme with students and learners called the ‘Share ‘n Dare Programme’.
The NSTF Brilliants Programme recognises the outstanding Grade 12 performers in physical science and mathematics, exposing them to the SET network and future career opportunities.
The NSTF is the most representative multi-stakeholder forum in South Africa promoting SET and innovation.